ABOUT

Fitkinwall | Harpland

THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER - 8:00 PM



Beautiful harp and incredible keyboard from Goldfrapp and Kathryn Tickell harpist Ruth Wall and composer and electronics wizard Graham Fitkin.

Ruth’s explorations into the history of the Scottish Highlands where she grew up are at the heart of this show. The forced eviction and subsequent migration of farmers and crofters from the highlands, as part of ‘the clearances’ which benefited wealthy Southern sheep farmers, provides the central focus.

Graham’s haunting new versions of traditional Scottish tunes explore themes of loss and longing. These are written for Ruth’s three harps – the sitar-like Renaissance bray harp, the beautiful medieval Gaelic wire harp (clàrsach) and the Scottish lever harp.

Expect Gaelic song, fiddle and pipe tunes transformed into mesmerising electronic music.

The harp is luminous, pastoral and urban at the same time under Wall’s fingers, she pushes the instrument to its limits and Fitkin’s music allows for a certain steeliness and discordance. The sound is immaculate. London Jazz News

Ruth Wall was brought up in Sutherland, in the far north of Scotland, immersed in the songs and tunes of the Highlands. She has performed on stages around the world – the Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Berlin Philharmonic, Gucci 75th celebrations in Rome and Florence, Radio City New York, and the London Olympic Celebrations. Ruth has featured as a soloist with the London Chamber Orchestra and the BBC Concert Orchestra and toured extensively with Goldfrapp, The Will Gregory Moog Ensemble, Kathryn Tickell, Ockham’s Razor and her partner, composer Graham Fitkin.

Composer Graham Fitkin has worked with Yo-Yo Ma, Kathryn Stott, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, New York City Ballet. He has won three BASCA composer awards and the Royal Philharmonic Society Composer Award 2015.

University Road is temporarily closed on Thursday 16 November – but parking is still available! Find out how to find us and where to park here

TICKETS

BOOK
Standard£20.00
Student£10.00
Under 18£10.00
Access£20.00
Friends£18.00